Schmitt Celebrates Senate Passage of Protect College Sports Act

U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) praised passage of the bipartisan “Protect College Sports Act” in the U.S. Senate. Schmitt is a lead cosponsor of the bill and spoke on the Senate floor before the vote to underscore the instability threatening college sports in America and emphasize the need for Congress to act to provide clarity while protecting student-athletes and the future of college sports. “College sports are a uniquely American institution defined by legendary rivalries and some of the most prolific moments in sports history. College sports have created countless opportunities for student athletes to learn and grow—both on and off the field, they unite Americans from all corners of the country, and they’re responsible for some of the greatest American traditions. Yet over the last few years, college sports have come to be defined by increasing financial and regulatory instability that have thrown the entire system into jeopardy. “As an original co-sponsor of this bill, I called on my colleagues to do something the Senate rarely does: meet the moment. By passing the ‘Protect College Sports Act,’ we’re delivering much-needed stability to college sports, protecting the future of women’s and Olympic sports, and ensuring fans can continue to enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes. The ball is now in the House’s court. It’s time we send this bill to the President’s desk. Let’s get this done,” said Senator Schmitt. The “Protect College Sports Act”: Establishes new eligibility guardrails for athletes so professional athletes cannot return to play college sports; Implements a one-time transfer option; and Addresses critical revenue pitfalls in college sports programs, allowing schools to take advantage of new media pooling rights to generate billions in new funding for sports programs, particularly women’s and Olympic sports. Schmitt, an original cosponsor of the “ Protect College Sports Act ,” drafted the legislation with Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). ###